Alternative Answer: Natural Anti-Bacterial Herbs

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Alternative Answer: Natural Anti-Bacterial Herbs

 

There are hundreds of plants used all over the world, which are used

in herbal medicine as treatments for bacterial infections. Here are

some of the most accessible and reliable.

 

 

Bayberry (Myrica cerifera): stimulating the flow of bile, and also exhibits

antibacterial activity. Use this herb externally as a poultice.

 

 

Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum): is an ancient herbal remedy found in the

Chinese Materia Medica. Various terpenoids found in the volatile oil including

eugenol and cinnamaldehyde account for cinnamon’s medicinal effects. Both

cinnamaldehyde and cinnamon oil vapors are potent anti-fungal compounds.

Antibacterial actions have been found in cinnamon.

 

 

Cranberries (Vaccinium macrocarpon): The medicinal benefits of cranberries have

been touted in news reports for years, recognizing the small, four air-chambered

berry for its ability to protect against urinary tract infections. However, new

research suggests that not only does the cranberry, available in both white and

red varieties, fight against bacterial infections in the urinary tract, but it

is also associated with potentially lowering LDL cholesterol and slowing cancer

cell growth.

 

 

Eucalyptus (eucalyptus globulus): It's been known for some time that extracts of

eucalyptus oil inhibit the growth of some bacteria. Antibacterial activities of

eucalyptus globulus leaf extract against isolated bacteria were investigated by

determining minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal

concentration (MBC). methods. It is concluded that eucalyptus globules leaf

extract is effective against isolated bacteria.

 

 

Garlic (Allium sativum): The ancient Egyptians attached great importance to

garlic, and used it as a money exchange. Folklore has always claimed that garlic

is a great healer, and there is actually a lot of scientific evidence to support

that claim. Allicin is the compound responsible for the healing benefits of

garlic. Garlic's antibacterial characteristics have been tested even against

drug-resistant varieties, and shown to have therapeutic activity. The sulfides

in garlic may work in a way similar to that of penicillin and sulfa drugs, to

counter the growth of bacteria.

 

 

Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadenis): Goldenseal is a native American medicinal

plant introduced to early settlers by Cherokee Indians who used it as a wash for

skin diseases, wounds, and for sore, inflamed eyes. Its roots are bright yellow,

therefore, this is how it gets it's name. Goldenseal root has acquired a

considerable reputation as a natural antibiotic and as a remedy for various

gastric and genitourinary disorders.

 

 

Myrrh (Commiphora Myrrha): Myrrh is a gum resin that has been used since ancient

times. The Egyptians used it to embalm bodies, and in biblical times it was one

of the herbs brought by the Three Wise Men. Myrrh constituents are antibacterial

and antifungal, exhibiting activity against e.coli, staphylococcus, and candida

albicans, an overgrowth of which leads to yeast infections. Its antiseptic and

disinfectant properties make it useful as a wash on cuts, burns and skin

infections. Gargle several drops of tincture in water to relieve a sore throat.

Use diluted myrrh as a mouthwash or apply the powder on the mucus membranes

inside of the mouth to treat mouth sores and thrush.

 

 

Olive Leaf Extract is an extraordinary herbal antibacterial as well

as, antiviral extract. Obtained from specific parts of the olive tree

(Olea europaea), this new proprietary phytochemical extract is not

only safe, but is also a nontoxic immune system builder. Olive Leaf

Extract has been used clinically in its present form for over a year.

 

 

Tea Tree (Melaleuca altermifolia): is the extracted oil from Melaleuca

altermifolia tree native to Australia. The oil is extracted by steam

distillation from the leaves of the tree and has been used by Australian

aborigines for several centuries. Now the tree is grown all over the world for

its medicinal properties. As an antibacterial agent, tea tree oil is said to

alleviate hemorrhoids, and treat candidiasis and other vaginal infections. As an

antifungal, tea tree oil has been used for years in the treatment of athlete's

foot, ringworm, and nail infections.

 

 

Turmeric (Curcuma longa): Curcumin, the yellow color pigment of turmeric, is

produced industrially from turmeric oleoresin. The healing properties of

turmeric have made it a most sought after ingredient in cosmetics and drugs, as

the leaf oil and extract can also be used as sunscreens and bio-pesticides. It

is well recognized as the best anti-oxidant, hypoglycemic, colorant, antiseptic

and wound healer.

 

 

Yellow Dock (Rumex crispus): has been used for hundreds of years for its

astringent properties, treating a variety of skin problems, including boils,

rashes, blemishes and burns. Yellow dock is valued as an antibacterial agent and

even more as one of the best available sources of iron. Yellow dock's high iron

content makes it beneficial for treating anemia and pregnant women. Yellow Dock

also contains vitamin C, vitamin A, calcium and phosphorous.

 

 

 

Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac.

Peacefulmind.com

Therapies for healing

mind, body, spirit

 

 

References:

 

Aydin, A., Ersoz, G., Tekesin, O., Akcicek, E., Tuncyurek, M. &

Batur, Y. (1997). Does garlic oil have a role in the treatment of

Helicobacter pylori infection? Turkish Journal of Gastroenterology 8,

181–4.

 

Sharquie, K. E., Al-Turfi, I. A. & Al-Salloum, S. M. (2000). The

antibacterial activity of tea in vitro and in vivo (in patients with

impetigo contagiosa). Journal of Dermatology 27, 706–10.[Medline]

 

Nir, Y., Potasman, I., Stermer, E., Tabak, M. & Neeman, I. (2000).

Controlled trial of the effect of cinnamon extract on Helicobacter

pylori. Helicobacter 5, 94–7.[CrossRef][iSI][Medline]

 

Bassett, I. B., Pannowitz, D. L. & Barnetson, R. S. (1990). A

comparative study of tea-tree oil versus benzoylperoxide in the

treatment of acne. Medical Journal of Australia 153, 455–8.[iSI]

[Medline]

 

Jepson, R. G., Mihaljevic, L. & Craig, J. (2002). Cranberries for

preventing urinary tract infections. (Cochrane Rewiew). In The

Cochrane Library, Issue 4, 2002. Update Software, Oxford.

 

Ankri, S. & Mirelman, D. (1999). Antimicrobial properties of allicin

from garlic. Microbes and Infection 1, 125–9.[CrossRef][iSI][Medline]